The SWISS INSTITUTE – CONTEMPORARY ART is thrilled to announce THE MECHANICS OF ETIQUETTE, by Anna Craycroft and Felicia Ballos, the first in our new series of dance and performance commissions. As with our visual art program, through the dance and performance series the SI will function as a laboratory for commissioned artists and choreographers to create, rehearse and present their work. This new initiative introduces dance and performance as the next step in the SI’s mission of supporting the best in collaboration and cultural dialogue.

THE MECHANICS OF ETIQUETTE is rooted in a selection of 18th and 19th century rules of custom and behavior. Anna Craycroft and Felicia Ballos have drawn from the physical, social and psychological restrictions imposed by these constructs in order to design the movement and architecture of the piece.

All elements of the performance work together, complimenting or distressing one another without a recognized pattern; the dancers navigate the tasks and expectations of four scenarios in a spasmodic syncopation with ceremonial procedure, while the musicians’ live musical accompaniment alternates between melodic procession and aggressive discordance. Slowly, the performance becomes a hyperactive negotiation of the space existing between public requirement and private sentiment.

PLEASE NOTE: There will be no tickets sold for this performance. Seating is first come first served. Space is limited.
RSVP to rsvp@swissinstitute.net